Cardero Bottega is a little Italian deli in heart of the West End. It's just a block or two off Denman (corner Nelson / Cardero), but well worth the stroll away from the hustle and bustle. They have a great selection of cheeses, meats, fresh pastas and bread baked daily, as well as some nice Italian groceries. Sandwiches are made fresh (delicious!) and the owners Tim and Nat are a joy.

Reviews

Look, it's just a tiny deli. It stocks some pretty good quality stuff, no doubt about that. However, it really survives on convenience only. Those who know will be heading to other places such as Commercial or Bosa for a far greater variety, and likely better prices.
Really the only thing you can get to munch right away, some olives, drinks ... and sandwiches. So, about them sandwiches. They're just sandwiches! Look, the bread isn't baked there. The stuff inside is not made there. The guy just slices stuff up and puts it in the bread. We picked 2 different ones for a trial. Sure, it's pretty good, but it's hardly mindblowing and it's nothing you can't do with a quick trip to a nearby market. It's not worth the $7.50 they charge for the cold sandwiches. For $5 tops, I might be satisfied. Maybe. Well, at least I'm happier here than Finch's, but compared to something like Ba Le, who bake their own, pretty darn good, bread and likely some of their own fillings as well? They have at least as good a sandwich ( comparing taste, texture, bread,etc), if not better, and most are half the price.
It's a good place, but not worth the trip unless you're one of those people who don't cook and can't even piece together an edible sandwich to save their lives.

I love this little nook for my Italian cooking needs, great pastas, sundried tomatoes, sauces, etc. A nice selection of olives and deli meats/cheeses too. I've only tried the one vegetarian sandwich but it was uber yummy. The service is terrific this place is definitely a keeper and a bonus to the neighbourhood.

This local deli may be tiny but their shelves are packed with a great variety of product. The sandwiches are made on fresh made (up the street) Portuguese buns and the ingredients (try the house made porchetta) are always fresh. The staff is friendly and helpful and always willing to offer cooking tips. Their prices are pretty competitive for such a small place and a lot of items are lower than some of the bigger stores close by. The store itself is very well put together and always very clean.

I bought sandwiches and quite a few European delectables such as truffles and mushrooms in oil, cured meats and cornichons. All were delicious and very fresh. The ambiance is quite nice as well. Friendly shopowners and a nice bunch of customers come by. It is obvious that Cardero Bottega is a major neighborhood staple and hub.

The owners have succeeded in making the place have a homey feeling without sacrificing good taste and a appreciation for aesthetic.

I highly recommend trying any and all of the sandwiches on the menu, buying a couple of antipasti and a cold drink from their fridge and heading on down to the waterfront for a wonderful day.

We visited the Cardero Bottega on a recent trip to Vancouver and it was truly a fantastic stop! The deli is located in a picturesque Vancouver neighborhood in the West End and the colorful building was a welcome site.

We ordered a sandwich and drink for the road and some brie, pate and crackers to share later that evening. The sandwich (we ordered the Parisienne) was fresh and delicious and the late night snacks were equally as impressive.

The service was great, the shop owners were really friendly (they even suggested some other good spots for dinner while we were in town.) Tie-ups for pets out in front of the deli completed the warm and inviting atmosphere.

I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for a great place to stop for lunch or in search of some fresh, traditional Italian meats, cheeses, etc. Great shop!

I've been going to the Cardero Bottega for lunch every Saturday and Sunday since I discovered the place.

What can I say? Delicious, top-quality food every time. Great coffee, terrific people (totally deserving of support)

Now, understand, we're talking about a little deli, here. No candlelight, no snooty waiters. You get a sandwich, a cappucino, and a few groceries for a great deal. The food is clean, clean clean. When I eat a "Jimmy the Greek", i feel like a million bucks, ready to wrestle bears. Food, 5 of f.

Every time I go in, a conversation is in full swing between the owners and some regulars, and it's always positive stuff. Ambiance 5 of 5.

Service? Well they knew my name by the second visit, and they have been consistently incredible right across the board. 5 of 5.

Value? Did I mention the sandwiches are 6-odd bucks? 5 of 5!

It's a great place run by great people with great food in a great location. Go.

I have been coming here about once a week for almost 2 months now, and the food and service is consistently good. I moved to Vancouver about 3 years ago, and have been looking for a place that makes fresh, healthy sandwiches, and this is the place - they are hands down the best sandwiches I have had since I moved here. They also sell a pretty nice blood orange soda too, and the prices are awesome to boot.

I love coming here for lunch, and it's actually much quicker to walk here and get your sandwich made on the spot than it is to wait at Capers. Plus the quality is just awesome.

I also love the fact that it is laid back and away from the city, and that the service is so friendly and personal. Tim, if you read this, would be icing on the cake if you had a couple of seats and small table out front too :P I'm sure the espresso machine would get more use too.